NFL Free Agency 2012: Chad Ochocinco and 3 Other Clubhouse Cancers on the Move

There is not one organization in the league that wants a troublemaker on their team, except for the Oakland Raiders, of course. 

With March 13 fast approaching, coaches and scouts are going through the long list of eligible free agents this year. With an outstanding class of veterans and Pro Bowlers on the free range, there are always those select few that just can't get their groove together. 

There are certain players that are like the plague and have the power to infest every team they join with a losing season. And then there are those players that believe they are above the rules. Sadly, the players on this list were all once elite, but now they are just known for their flaws and flops.

Donovan McNabb: The Played-out Super Senior

The once mighty Eagle and now the fallen Viking. Donovan McNabb's expiration date is up and is spoiling everything he touches.

He only played six games this season before being replaced by rookie Christian Ponder. McNabb only recorded 1,026 yards passing. The Vikings went 3-13 and ended the season with the third-worst record in the league.

There are a few teams that will be interested in him as their second quarterback, or third. But, McNabb will no longer drive the train. At 35 years old, he can do nothing more for a team but stand on the sideline and hold a clipboard.

Off the Field Drama Brings Cedric Benson Down

Some people just can’t stay out of trouble. Cedric Benson has had legal problems since 2008, when he was arrested for operating a boat while intoxicated and then for a DUI later that same year. In 2010, he was arrested for assault, followed by a misdemeanor in 2011—both of which resulted in game suspensions.

Benson has posted 1,000-yard seasons the past three years with the Bengals, but has not adjusted well to the rotation between him and Bernard Scott. He wants to be featured as a cow-bell back and does not agree with the new running scheme offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has implemented.

It does not seem like he can transition into this role for the good of the team and share the spotlight. His off-the-field legal issues don’t help his case, either, and send red flags out to teams who would otherwise be interested.

Cortland Finnegan Just May Be to Aggressive

Cortland Finnegan once said that he wanted to be named the dirtiest player in the NFL. He lived up to his statement during the 2010 season when he was the most-talked-about bully on the field.

Big, bad Fin punched Mike Wallace during a brawl in a game against the Steelers. He dragged a New York Giants receiver down by the helmet. And he also had a big altercation with Andre Johnson that resulted in a  $25,000 fine and ejection from the game for both players.

The six-year veteran is a beast on the field and the king of playing dirty. He puts up great numbers, recording 82 solo tackles in 2010 and 58 in 2011, but his reckless antics will post a warning sign for prospective teams.

Chad Ochocinco Might Get a Ring, but Will Get the Boot

The Patriots have an impeccable eye and system for trading and acquiring free agents. They usually take safe bets on players that are mature and strong leaders, but they also like to take risks. Chad Ochocinco was a very big risk.

Chad is a hazard to any organization. From the tweets to his VH1 series, to Chad just being Chad, his lack of commitment to the game and production on the field is of low quality.

Tom Brady only completed 15 passes to him for 276 yards. With only one touchdown to call his own this season, teams will be hesitant to call Ocho theirs.

If Chad Ochocinco plans on getting a few more balls thrown his way next season, a big change will have to occur, and a name change won’t cut it. It may be that Chad is released from the greatest reality TV of all time, and that is professional football. I'd say The Real Housewives would be his safest bet next season.